Archive for » February, 2010 «

Oil painting

Thursday, February 25th, 2010 | Author:

Oil painting exists since the 13th century. Today, this medium is become so popular that a student must learn and appreciate this wonderful technique of art. Oil paints do not dry easily as water paints do with the help of evaporation. They dry with the help of a process called oxidative reaction. The blend of colors and the natural sheen that oil painting gives makes this medium a beautiful way to express yourself! 

 

Oil Painting is yet another fascinating journey in visual art medium. Oil paints are oil based and are usually prepared by blending colored pigments into linseed oil, poppy seed oil or walnut oil.  Oil paints are yellowish and take a considerable time to dry. To paint with oil paints is indeed a thrill and a joy especially for people who are amateurs. The effect that oil painting gives you is something that entices all art lovers!  To do an oil painting the following are the tools that are required: 

 

Depending on your subject of drawing you can buy the number of different colored oil paint tubes that you want. Usually these tubes are available in 20ml, 30 ml and 60 ml tubes. 50 ml bottle of Linseed oil, poppy seed oil or walnut oil is also required. However, the most commonly used oil is the linseed oil. A 250 or 500 ml. bottle of Turpentine which is used to mixed along with the paint to thin it. Paint brushes of various numbers (which includes thick and thin brushes). A palette and a dipper holder, canvas board and other materials will include pencil, eraser, cotton cloth, brush holders, jars and tracing paper.

 

There are no set categories and types of oil painting but it is said that oil paintings that are used to portray scenery are very appealing. You can explore the media just as you like. You can even paint surreal and imaginary paintings with this medium. Whether to use a thin based oil painting or a dense oil painting will depend on the picture you paint and the paint style you use.

 

Oil paints dry very slowly. Hence once your painting is done; make sure you keep it at a safe place where they can be kept for drying. Also, if you want to clean a layer of your oil paint, you can use alcohol. This will clean your layer of paint because alcohol is a powerful solvent! 

 

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India Coastal Handicrafts

Thursday, February 18th, 2010 | Author:

handicraftsIndia has a rich and vast culture of handicrafts. The handicraft work in India has remained in existence since ancient times. One of the most appreciated handicraft types is of Coastal handicrafts. Thanks to India’s enormous coastal line, huge variety of handicrafts has flourished all along these coastal plains. The thing to be noted here is that, culture of coastal handicrafts is a not a new phenomenon. There is a rich tradition of coastal handicrafts that has been passed on from generation to generation. Coastal handicrafts are made using raw materials available at the shores and seas. Elements of modern aesthetics and sensibility have further helped in enhancing the beauty of coastal handicrafts.

 

The main hubs of Indian coastal handicrafts are Orissa and West Bengal. Orissa is known for its beautiful beaches, historical temples, famous sculptures and colorful appliqué works. The art works of Orissa like Patachitra, Pipili and Saura tribal paintings have always exuded class and elegance. The state is also known for vibrant fabrics. Puri is one place in Orissa that every religious person likes to visit at least once in his lifetime. Puri houses mesmerizing brass statues that have amazing finery. Other famous specialties of the state are carved sculptures, stoneware, detachable wooden toys and wooden masks.

 

Those looking for coastal art and craft works, better have a look at assortment of appliquéd wall hangings, garments, handbags, decorative hangings, papier-mache masks and linen.

 

Talking about coastal handicrafts of Bengal, conch shell art occupies the place of the pride. Created by artists known as ‘Shankharis’, this is a centuries old tradition. One can also find shell jewelry like pendants, bangles, bracelets that are made after slicing conch shells with hand tolls. You can also find other shell articles and beautiful objects made form pearls. The place is full of mesmerizing costal handicraft works. One has to visit coastal plains of Orissa and Bengal to truly experience this beautiful art form.

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Watercolor Painting

Sunday, February 14th, 2010 | Author:

Watercolor painting technique is extremely old. It has been here since ages. Watercolors were used to paint the cave walls! When art flourished during the Renaissance period, watercolor panting as a technique became famous too!

It is the paper that can make or break your painting because different watercolors will have different effect on your paper. You can also try watercolor painting on light colored papers such as light pink and yellow! There are three types of papers that are used for watercolor painting: Hot pressed, moderate and rough. Hot pressed has a very smooth texture and can be used for painting with a lot of detailing. Moderate just as the name suggest, has a moderate texture and this is recommended for beginners whereas rough paper has a coarse texture and is used for specific effects. Thickness is also important while selecting paper for watercolor painting. However, as a beginner, you may use a usual 300gsm paper.

There are a lot of techniques that artists use in watercolor painting. Art is something where you can let lose yourself and explore. The most common technique is the flat wash technique. It is done by first wetting the area of paper to be covered by the wash, then mixing sufficient colors to fill the entire area. Most of the amateur painters fear this medium simply because it is difficult to make changes or correction once you have put your brush stroke on the canvas. However, practice is what will make you perfect here.

Some of these basic techniques are: The Simple Wash: Just mix up a lot of water with watercolor paint and with a thick brush, wash your canvas. Another technique is using the tip of your paint brush to dip it slightly in the water and then dipping it in the color you want to paint in and using strokes to paint on the canvas. This is especially used to paint branches of a tree. Erasing the paint is yet another technique used commonly in watercolor painting and this is achieved by using a thick hard brush, dipping it only in water and then slowing applying it to the canvas. Tinting is also another technique that is very easy to do but difficult to control. For example you want your painting to have more yellow in it, to be brighter. What you do is take some very thin yellow paint by using a lot of water, and carefully going over the dried portion of the painting that you wish to tint. However, there is no stopping from inventing your own technique of watercolor painting.

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Folk art painting on Furniture

Wednesday, February 03rd, 2010 | Author:

Almost every country in the world boasts of a proud tradition of folk art paintings so how could India remain an exception. Folk painting tradition in India goes a long way to the roots of Indian civilization. Like India, Europe has a highly valued and well respected folk painting culture. In fact, folk painting has its origins in 13th Century Europe. This was the time when folk paintings were used to decorate furniture that commanded huge premium in the market. As we are living in an era of retro-fashion, folk paintings have also re-emerged strongly. People with an eye on aesthetics are willing to pay good prices for painted wooden objects like plates, cabinets and decorative cutting boards. Antique art objects are being redecorated with folk paintings and sold at commendable prices.

 

The redecoration of wooden objects starts with restoring process where original varnish is first stripped off and then painted with a solution. Some of the rich traditional colors used for folk paintings are yellow, green, red and brown. Blue and some shades of white are also used to get the required effect. Folk paintings look best on dark wooden objects. Artists use quick drying wood stain for bringing dark wood effects.

 

The painting process can be completed with either water based works or oil based paint. Folk art paintings thrive on blending of colors. Pattern is another important factor in these paintings. There are plenty of reading materials available on folk art painting techniques on furniture. These paintings are a wonderful way to decorate your house or even to be used as a gift for special occasions. This art can be learned by anyone who is interested in paintings. This is a highly appreciated skill that will do great favors to your reputations.

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